A list: Savvy activities to keep kids occupied this summer

Special to Savannah Morning News FROM NIKKIE NAKEBRA: Here's my Publix trip today - Before coupons, $88.81 After three transactions using manufacturer and store coupons, I paid out of pocket cost $33.81, saving $55.

School’s out and if you are like most parents it’s a relief at first not to have to stick to a rigorous schedule of homework, endless projects and activities. Unfortunately for most of us this is short-lived. After we have heard “I’m bored” for the hundredth time we are ready to pull our hair out. I’ve gathered some free and cheap activities that you can do with the kids this summer vacation.

Before you head out to any of these events I suggest that you pack the car with bottled water, fruit and veggies and other easy snacks. Any inexpensive activity could end up breaking the bank if you have to purchase these items on the go. Use the Shopping Wizard to find the best deals on bottled water at www.savvyshopperdeals.com/georgia.

Stock up and be ready for quick outings. Don’t forget the sunscreen, you can find the best prices for that in the wizard, too!

You may think older children won’t be interested in some of these activities, but I think you will find that — just like adults — they enjoy being a kid sometimes.

The home improvement store offers free, hands-on workshops for children ages 5 to 12. The workshops are offered the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon. Workshops teach tool safety and do-it-yourself skills. Kids get to keep their creations and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement. The next workshop is July 7. Participants will build their very own moving truck. Find details at www.homedepot.com.

Lowes:

The store offers Build and Grow Clinics for kids every other Saturday at 10 a.m. Participants build a wooden project, get a free apron, goggles, patch and more. You must register and sign up for the events at lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/sign-in.aspx.

Another special event is today, June 10 at 2 p.m. Build a Monkey-Powered-Plane straight from the “Madagascar” movies. At 10 a.m. June 23 or 2 p.m. June 24 they can build a “Madagascar 3” Luxury Assault Vehicle.

Bass Pro Shops:

The recreation/outdoor store will host a Family Summer Camp that features a variety of free activities now through July 15, 2012. Activities are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Craft camps are offered for a $5 fee. The fee includes all materials needed to make the project. Classes will be 10-11:30 a.m. June 18 (ages 5-8), 10-11:30 a.m. June 20 (ages 5-8), 3:30-5 p.m. June 25 (ages 9-12) For a schedule of events, go to www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html.

Barnes & Noble:

Head for story time each Wednesday at 11 a.m. on the Hundred Acre Wood Stage. The store’s great summer reading program allows participants to earn a free book. Read eight books and record them in a reading journal. Take the completed reading journal to the store and choose a free book from the reading journal list in the store. You can find more details and download the form at img1.imagesbn.com/pimages/kids/summerreading/2012/bnsummertearpad.pdf.

Free Zoo Atlanta passes: Live Oak Public Libraries cardholders can score a free Zoo Atlanta family pass that is good for up to two adults and two children. All you have to do is check out a Zoo Atlanta DVD and return it to receive a Zoo Atlanta Family pass.

Georgia State Park Pass: Live Oak Public Libraries with valid Power Cards can borrow a Georgia State Park “Park Pass” and Historic Site pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks and historic sites statewide. Go to www.liveoakpl.org/upload/GAparkpass.pdf.

Looking for a park to visit? Go to www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org. You can select an activity you would like to do (biking, camping, hiking, picnicking etc.) and it will give you suggestions. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray!

Free Bowling:

Kids bowl free at various times and days at Frames & Games in Pooler. Children may bowl two free games Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sundays 6 p.m. to close. Participants must wear bowling shoes or rent shoes to wear. Registration is required at www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5987.

Movies:

Many area theatres offer $1 movies or movie combos. Grab the kids and treat them to a day at the movies.

Admission is $3 for kids and $5 for adults. Be sure to bring a camera and take some amazing pictures. Younger children can write a story about the pictures for a fun activity. Depending on the ages of your children, bring some books that feature wildlife and have a story time right in the park.

Tybee Island:

Plan a fun day at the beach. Be sure to pack a cooler with bottled water and snack items. Pick up shells to make crafts with later.

I hope you enjoy some of these fun activities. Share your great activities with others and upload your pictures to the Savannah Savvy Shopper on Facebook.